The 3M technology enables the coloring of zirconia-based dental restorations and improves esthetics for patients. With the technology, a dental technician can shade uncolored, tooth-shaped zirconia to a prescribed shade, color-matching the restoration to the natural color of patients’ teeth. Since 3M developed and launched this innovative technology, much of the dental industry colors dental zirconia using this process. 3M remains open to further licensing of the technology.